聚焦系列:唐娜·沃利斯

今年秋天, a new chapter in healthcare education begins at 帕洛阿尔托学院 as the highly anticipated Nursing program welcomes its inaugural cohort. 拥有最先进的设施, 先进的课程, 以及对社区健康的承诺, this program promises to shape the future of nursing in our region.

Behind this groundbreaking initiative is Donna Wallis, the visionary Executive Director whose dedication and expertise have turned a bold idea into a transformative reality. 在她的指导下, the Nursing program has evolved from a concept into a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

Donna Wallis is a distinguished nursing professional with over 30 years of experience that spans a remarkable array of specialties and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and an MBA from Tulane University. 目前, 她正在攻读高等教育博士学位, 领导, 他是德克萨斯大学奥斯汀分校的政治学教授.

Her journey into education began somewhat serendipitously after Hurricane Katrina when she was persuaded by a friend to teach a critical care clinical in Louisiana—a course that would have been canceled otherwise. 虽然她有些犹豫, 她同意了, 说, “I never want to see a student miss an educational opportunity.” This experience ignited her passion for teaching and solidified her commitment to shaping the future of nursing. 沃利斯现在分享, “每天都有新的、令人兴奋的事情发生, 每一天, 我们离培养护理人员更近了一步. 如果我不相信这一点，我就不会在这里.”

在PAC, Wallis built and launched the Registered Nursing Program, 一个全职的, face-to-face initiative designed to prepare the next generation of compassionate, 熟练的护士. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Southside Education and Training Center (SETC), this program represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals in 圣安东尼奥 and beyond.

The program gives students a hands-on learning experience with its high-fidelity simulation lab and clinical skills labs. These state-of-the-art facilities use the latest technology to mimic real-life medical scenarios so students can practice and perfect their patient care skills in a safe, 控制环境. 这意味着当他们毕业的时候, they’re ready to jump into nursing practice with real-world skills and confidence.

作为他们学习的一部分, students will also participate in clinical rotations at two of 圣安东尼奥’s top hospitals, 大学健康卫理公会医院. 在这里, they’ll get hands-on experience with patient care in various settings, from medical-surgical to maternal and newborn care to mental health. This practical experience helps them build skills in four main areas: being a professional nurse, 提供以病人为中心的护理, 倡导患者安全, 并作为医疗团队的一员有效地工作.  

在收到 Accreditation Committee in Education Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation, Donna hopes to expand the program through increased student clinical experiences, 社区快闪诊所, 与当地组织建立战略伙伴关系. These initiatives will enhance students' practical skills while addressing underserved populations' healthcare needs. 通过整合这些外联工作, Donna aims to not only equip students with top-notch nursing skills but also establish the program as a cornerstone of community health and service. 

在国家经贸委最近的一次培训之后, Wallis expressed her excitement about the incoming students, 声明, “亲自与他们见面很鼓舞人心. 他们对开始工作非常兴奋, and I admire their commitment to take charge of their futures and strengthen our community as a whole.”

As the 帕洛阿尔托学院 Nursing Program prepares to start this fall, 唐娜·沃利斯为塑造这个项目所做的努力, 扩大临床机会, and initiating community outreach reflect her dedication to enhancing local healthcare and education. Wallis' vision promises to elevate PAC’s role in community service and nursing excellence, 确保持久, 对学生和地区产生积极影响. 

访问 阿拉莫.edu/pac/nursing 了解更多关于这个项目的信息, 探索其先进的设施, 并发现如何参与其中.